Installing SKF Speedi-Sleeve

Although installation is simple, it should be done carefully to achieve the best results. As the thin-walled sleeve has an interference fit, any disturbances on the shaft surface may create a similar pattern on the sleeve surface and cause the seal to leak. Therefore, the seal counterface surface of the shaft should be carefully cleaned and any burrs or rough spots filed down prior to installation. Deep wear grooves, scratches or very rough surfaces should be treated with a suitable powdered metal epoxy-type filler. The sleeve must be positioned on the shaft before the filler has hardened.

SKF Speedi-Sleeve must not be installed over keyways, cross holes, splines or threads since this will result in deformation of the sleeve, making it difficult for the seal to follow its new counterface surface as it rotates.

SKF Speedi-Sleeve should never be heated prior to installation. Using heat will cause the sleeve to expand, but when it cools, it may not contract back to its original size, resulting in a loose fit on the shaft.

Installation procedure

Clean the seal counterface surface on the shaft. File down any burrs or rough spots and make sure that the sleeve will not be installed over keyways, cross holes, splines or similar.

Measure the diameter on an unworn portion of the shaft where the sleeve will be positioned (fig 2). Measure in three positions and average the readings to make sure the shaft is within recommended specifications. If the average diameter is within the range for a given sleeve size, there is sufficient press fit built into the sleeve to prevent it from sliding or spinning without using an adhesive.

Determine where the sleeve must be positioned to cover the worn area. Measure to the exact point, or mark directly on the surface. The sleeve must be placed over the worn area, not just bottomed or left flush with the end of the shaft.

Shallow wear grooves do not require filling. Optionally, a light layer of a non-hardening sealant can be applied to the inside diameter surface of the sleeve. Clean away sealant that migrates to the shaft or sleeve outside diameter surface.

If the shaft is deeply scored, fill the groove with a powdered metal epoxy-type filler. Install the sleeve before the filler hardens, enabling the sleeve to wipe off any excess filler. Clean away any remaining filler from the sleeve outside diameter surface.

It should be repeated that heat should never be used to install SKF Speedi-Sleeve.

If the flange should be removed after installation, cut it from the outside diameter into the radius in one location. The flange end of the sleeve goes on the shaft first. Then, place the installation tool over the sleeve (fig 3).

Gently tap the centre of the installation tool until the sleeve covers the worn shaft surface (fig 4). If the installation tool is too short, a length of pipe or tubing with a squared-off, burr-free end can be used. Be sure that the inside diameter of the pipe is the same as that of the installation tool. Use care not to scratch the precision ground sleeve’s outside diameter.

SKF Speedi-Sleeve should always be installed so that the outside edge of the sleeve is seated on the full shaft diameter. It must not rest in or outside the chamfer area since the sharp edge will likely cut the sealing lip during seal installation.

If the flange was cut for removal, use a pair of long-nosed pliers to grasp the flange away from the sleeve and twist it into a coil, being careful not to lift the end of the sleeve off the shaft or it will leave a jagged edge. Flange removal must be done with care to avoid damage to the outside diameter of the sleeve.

After the sleeve is installed, check again for burrs that could damage the seal.

Lubricate the sleeve with the system medium before installing the seal.